Watkins Possesses the Edge - Yet Calvert-Lewin Might Still Secure the International Squad

A solitary goal in his initial ten Premier League outings this season had plenty of wondering if Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were in the past.

Yet, a mere four weeks afterwards, he stands as the most talked-about attacker in England following netting seven goals in six consecutive games.

His newest goal, in a tie against Sunderland, brought his total to eight, establishing him as the top English scorer in the Premier League this term.

A Remarkable Revival

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was blighted by setbacks in its latter stages.

But, the numbers supporting his resurgence in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are truly impressive.

His six-game scoring sequence places him in elite company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more straight Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane never managed a run lasting this many games - his best is two distinct five-match runs.

And the only English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who produced an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Scoring Form?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's intelligent and a excellent striker and he found the timing to arrive at the perfect moment."

That natural ability and positional sense inside the penalty area was what established him as a beloved player at his former team.

Pundits highlight the tactical shift to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling a greater number of players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little touch beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've endured a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this purple patch, emphasizing that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled conversations of an England call-up.

The former Sheffield United player has 11 England appearances, netting four goals, but has not represented the country since the last European Championship.

Observers believe the striker will be in consideration for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a considerable period," one said. "If he maintains this level of form... then he's going to be in a discussion for a World Cup place."

Intense Competition

But, competition for places as backup to Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive brace against Chelsea, is currently considered to be leading in the pecking order, according to some opinion.

"If you contrast the two players, Watkins has the advantage in terms of using his pace to get behind teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a decisive impact at a major tournament."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the head coach decides to take.

"I think it might depend on whether he selects two or three centre-forwards," an expert added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."